The RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Add-on is an advanced extension of the RestroFood WordPress plugin, built specifically to support a modern dine-in food-ordering system for restaurants, cafes, and food businesses.
This addon transforms your website into a digital restaurant ordering platform, allowing customers to place orders directly from their table using a mobile device or desktop browser. Instead of relying on waiters for order taking, customers can independently browse the menu, select items, and submit orders in real time.
Unlike QR-based restaurant systems, RestroFood follows a manual access workflow, where customers visit your restaurant website ordering page and select the “In-Restaurant” delivery type. This makes it easy to implement without additional hardware or QR setup.
Before following this guide, make sure you have already completed the process of installing the RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon on your WordPress website, as this guide assumes the plugin is active and configured.
What is RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon?
The RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon is a specialized feature that brings table-based ordering functionality directly into your WordPress restaurant website. It allows restaurants to handle dine-in orders digitally, improving efficiency and reducing dependency on manual order-taking.
Using this addon, customers can quickly access the ordering interface, select their table, explore the menu, and submit their orders without delays. This creates a smoother dining experience while helping restaurant staff focus more on service rather than taking orders.
The system is designed to be simple and practical, operating entirely through your website without requiring additional tools or complex configurations, making it a convenient solution for restaurants of all sizes.
Configuring Table Numbers (Restaurant Table Management)
To activate the table-based ordering system in RestroFood, you must first configure your restaurant table numbers from the WordPress admin panel. This setup is essential because every dine-in order placed through the In-Restaurant ordering option is linked to a specific table. Proper configuration ensures accurate order-to-table mapping, smooth restaurant workflow management, and efficient service delivery.
Navigation Path
Go to the following location in your dashboard:
WordPress Dashboard → RestroFood → Settings → In-Restaurant
This section contains all settings related to in-restaurant (dine-in) ordering, including table management.
Steps to Add Table Numbers
Follow these steps to create and configure your table list:
- Click the “Add Table Number” button
- Enter a unique table identifier in the input field
- Repeat the process to add multiple tables based on your restaurant layout
Examples of Table Identifiers
- T1, T2, T3 (standard numbering)
- Table-01, Table-02 (structured naming)
- VIP-1, VIP-2 (premium seating)
- Patio-Table-3, Outdoor-5 (location-based naming)
Using clear and logical naming conventions improves table identification and reduces confusion during order delivery.
Managing Table Entries
RestroFood provides flexible options to manage your table list:
- Remove Tables:
Click the “Remove” option next to any table to delete it - Edit Table Names:
Update table identifiers at any time to reflect layout changes - Organize Tables:
Maintain a structured list based on sections (e.g., Indoor, Outdoor, VIP area)
Keeping your table list well-organized is important for maintaining an efficient restaurant table management system and improving staff productivity.
Best Practices for Table Configuration
To optimize your dine-in ordering workflow, consider the following:
- Use simple and consistent naming formats (e.g., T1, T2, T3)
- Avoid duplicate or similar table names
- Match table identifiers with physical table labels in your restaurant
- Group tables logically based on seating areas
- Regularly update the table list when layout changes
These practices help ensure accurate restaurant order processing and seamless communication between customers and staff.
Save Configuration
After adding or updating table numbers:
- Click “Save Settings” to apply changes
Once saved, all configured tables will be automatically available in the frontend ordering interface.
Frontend Impact
After configuration:
- Customers selecting In-Restaurant will see a “Select Table Number” option
- All added tables will be listed as selectable options
- Customers must choose a table before placing an order
This enables a fully functional table-based restaurant ordering system, powered by WordPress and WooCommerce, ensuring accurate delivery and improved dine-in customer experience.
When a customer places a dine-in order, the table number is recorded automatically. See our dedicated guide on where to find the restaurant table number inside your RestroFood orders for a visual walkthrough of exactly where it appears.
Enabling In-Restaurant Delivery Type
The In-Restaurant option must be enabled to activate dine-in ordering.
This option appears alongside:
- Home Delivery
- Pickup / Takeaway
- In-Restaurant (Dine-In Ordering)
This ensures your restaurant ordering system supports multiple fulfillment methods.
Customer Ordering Workflow (Frontend User Experience)
The frontend ordering process is designed to be simple, intuitive, and optimized for online food ordering in restaurants.
Step 1: Access the Restaurant Ordering Page
Customers visit your WordPress restaurant website and open the RestroFood ordering interface.
Step 2: Select Delivery Type
Customers choose:
✔ In-Restaurant (Dine-In Option)
Step 3: Select Table Number (Required Field)
- Field label: *“Select Table Number.”
- Displays all configured tables
- Customers must select their table to proceed
This step ensures proper table-based order mapping.
Step 4: Add Food Items to Cart
- Browse menu categories
- Select food items
- Add items to cart
This works like a standard WooCommerce food ordering system.
Step 5: Place Order and Checkout
Customers can proceed using:
- Start Order
- Order & Payment
This completes the restaurant’s online ordering process.
Table-Based Order Identification (Order Mapping System)
Each order is automatically linked to a specific table number, which acts as a key identifier in the system.
Benefits
- Accurate order-to-table mapping
- Faster food delivery inside the restaurant
- Reduced order confusion during peak hours
This is essential for an efficient restaurant table management system.
Admin & Staff Order Management
All orders are managed through the WooCommerce-powered backend system.
Where Orders Appear
- WooCommerce → Orders
- RestroFood Order Management Panel
Order Details Include
- Customer information
- Ordered items
- Selected table number
- Payment method
Order Status Workflow
- Pending
- Processing
- Completed
This allows staff to efficiently manage live restaurant orders.
Managing Live Orders by Table
With table-based ordering, restaurant staff can:
- Track orders by table number
- Handle multiple dine-in customers simultaneously
- Monitor real-time order status
This improves operational efficiency in a digital restaurant ordering system.
Payment Handling
The addon integrates with WooCommerce payment systems, allowing flexible payment handling.
Supported Payment Methods
- Cash on Delivery (Pay at Table / Counter)
- Online Payment (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
Payment Flow Options
- Pay during checkout (online payment)
- Pay after ordering (offline payment at the restaurant)
This ensures compatibility with modern restaurant POS and payment workflows.
Notifications & Order Updates
The system provides real-time updates for better coordination.
Admin Notifications
- New order alerts
- Order status updates
Order Tracking
- Staff updates order progress
- Internal workflow remains synchronized
This enhances communication within the restaurant order management system.
Best Practices for In-Restaurant Ordering System
To optimize your WordPress restaurant ordering setup, follow these best practices:
- Use simple and consistent table naming (T1, T2, T3…)
- Avoid duplicate or unclear table identifiers
- Regularly update table configurations
- Train staff to check table numbers in every order
- Enable only necessary delivery options to reduce confusion
- Ensure menu and availability are always updated
If your restaurant operates across more than one location, you can take this further by reading how the In-Restaurant Ordering Addon works in a multi-branch environment to manage dine-in orders at every branch from one system.
Consultation
The RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon is an ideal solution for restaurant owners who want to modernize their dine-in experience without adding operational complexity. Instead of relying on traditional order-taking methods, this addon allows customers to place orders directly from their table using your website, reducing staff workload and minimizing order errors. It is especially useful for single-branch restaurants where managing table-based orders efficiently is critical for smooth service. By integrating seamlessly with WooCommerce, it supports both online and offline payments while maintaining a centralized order management system. Overall, it helps improve service speed, enhances customer convenience, and creates a more streamlined and scalable restaurant workflow.
For a broader overview of why this system is the best choice for WordPress restaurants, visit our complete guide to the best free in-restaurant ordering systems for WordPress and see how RestroFood compares to other options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon?
The RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon is a WordPress extension that allows customers to place dine-in orders directly from their table using a website, without needing staff assistance.
How to Work RestroFood In-Restaurant Ordering Addon?
Customers visit the ordering page, select “In-Restaurant,” choose their table number, add items to the cart, and complete the order, which is then sent to the restaurant staff.
Can I use the In-Restaurant Ordering Addon for a single branch?
Yes, the addon is fully optimized for single-branch restaurants and supports efficient table-based order management.
How are orders managed in the system?
All orders are managed through the WooCommerce dashboard, where staff can view table numbers, order details, and update order status.
What payment methods are supported?
The addon supports both offline payments, like cash on delivery, and online payments such as Stripe and PayPal.
Is the system mobile-friendly?
Yes, the ordering system is fully responsive and works smoothly on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
Still Have Questions?
Our FAQs cover the most common questions about RestroFood. If you need personalized advice or have a unique query, our team is ready to help. Contact us!
